Readings: Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21, Ps. 23, Mark 6:30-34
“As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.’” (Mark 6:34)
- Jesus's disciples returned after they had been sent out to preach in the neighbouring towns and villages. Jesus recommended a retreat. To retreat in this context is to go to a quiet place to rest, review one’s activities, and refuel. However, a large crowd waited for Jesus and his disciples to arrive.
- Ordinarily, one would have expected Jesus to get angry with them, but Jesus looked compassionately at the crowd. He put himself in their shoes and saw they were like sheep without a shepherd.
- To be compassionate is to feel the plight of others as though it was your own. Compassion is a necessary quality of any shepherd, leader, or parent. A leader who lacks compassion tends to use his position to serve himself only.
- Let us ask ourselves: “Am I a compassionate leader?” It is easy to point fingers at our leaders in Nigeria today, but we can only make a difference if we all begin pointing fingers at ourselves. Am I using my position to better the lives of those under me? As a father, am I compassionate towards my children? As a priest, do I feed my flock?
- What happens when those who should lead us in the civil or spiritual sphere are not measuring up? Our first reading from the book of Hebrews answers this question: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing…” (Hebrews 13:17). In verse 18, it adds: “Pray for us … to act honourably in all things.”
- As we pray for our leaders, let us also be willing to prepare ourselves to take up such leadership positions. Prayer is essential, but we cannot afford to stop only at prayer. We must take action. If you think those at the helm of affairs today have failed, you who still fear God and love the people must actively replace them. Begin by participating in politics; do not fold your hands.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us a compassionate heart to be good leaders. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 4 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20- 21, Ps. 23, Mark 6:30-34).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu